Joel Harper-Jackson is drawing strong reviews for his portrayal of Frank Sinatra in the West End premiere of Sinatra The Musical, which opened this week at London’s Aldwych Theatre.
Harper-Jackson plays the legendary singer at a pivotal point in his life and career, taking on more than 20 of Sinatra’s signature songs while recreating the distinctive vocal style and stage presence that helped make Sinatra one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.
Critics have particularly praised Harper-Jackson’s ability to capture Sinatra’s voice and mannerisms without simply imitating the singer. The Telegraph described him as an “effortlessly charismatic young Sinatra,” while Whatsonstage praised his singing, acting and uncanny vocal resemblance to Sinatra.
The Guardian highlighted Harper-Jackson’s “smooth vocal power” and Sinatra-inspired swagger, while The Financial Times praised his sumptuous voice and soaring delivery. The Stage noted his silky vocal tone and confident physical portrayal of the singer.
The production follows Sinatra’s rise from a 27-year-old Italian American singer preparing to perform at New York’s Paramount Theatre on New Year’s Eve in 1942 to one of America’s biggest musical stars.
As his career accelerates, Sinatra struggles to balance his marriage to Nancy with the pressures and temptations that accompany fame. His relationship with actress Ava Gardner becomes a major turning point, coinciding with professional setbacks as his record sales decline and the press turns against him.
The musical follows Sinatra through that career crisis and his eventual comeback, focusing on the determination and artistry that helped him rebuild his career.
Ana Villafañe plays Ava Gardner, while Phoebe Panaretos portrays Nancy Sinatra and Olivier Award winner Jenna Russell plays Sinatra’s mother, Dolly. The production also features a large ensemble portraying figures from Sinatra’s professional and personal world, including Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Billie Holiday and Marlene Dietrich.
The show features more than 20 Sinatra classics, including “That’s Life,” “One for My Baby,” “The Best Is Yet to Come” and “Come Fly With Me.”
Sinatra The Musical was written by two-time Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro and directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall. Olivier Award winner Peter McKintosh designed the set.
The production features a 17-member orchestra and brings together an international creative team spanning costumes, lighting, sound, video, choreography and musical arrangements.
Sinatra The Musical is scheduled to run at London’s Aldwych Theatre through April 10, 2027, giving audiences an extended opportunity to see Harper-Jackson take on one of popular music’s most recognizable figures.
The production is developed by Frank Sinatra Enterprises in partnership with Universal Music Group.